Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMike
Lucic is great for board battle/puck retrieval, but he’s missing all of the other aspects that Huberdeau and Kadri need for that line. I don’t think Lucic is responsible for Hubey playing better. If anything, he’s hurting what his production may actually have been for those past 14 games.
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I actually think Kadri and Huberdeau need what Lucic brings more so than just an ordinary skilled guy. I remember this duo together earlier in the season and they did not impress which is why they were split up pretty quickly.
It’s not just his board and retrieval that helps his line greatly, he helps feed their transition game with the subtle plays in the defensive zone. He has great net front presence and screen the opposition goalie and open up space when he drives to the net. He forechecks well and can extends zone time allowing his linemates more opportunities to create. He wins a lot of 50/50’s which is something skilled guys usually lack.
I also think his ability to do more of dirty work has allowed Kadri to play more of a skilled game as well. He doesn’t have to be the guy trying to be physical and win board battles, instead he and Huberdeau can focus more on making plays and getting open then having to be the ones fighting for loose pucks. I believe this is why Tkachuk and Gaudreau worked so well together, because Tkachuk did a lot of the same things Lucic does which freed Gaudeau’s offensive game and yes, I’m aware there’s of the talent disparity between the 2 power forwards.
But I’m not even saying Lucic is the ideal linemate for Huberdeau going forward, what I am saying and have said before, is he’s currently the best option for Huberdeau and their performance together has shown that. If the team finds an upgrade that’ll work better, then by all means, replace Lucic.